US5231768A - Stacked block step gage - Google Patents

Stacked block step gage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US5231768A
US5231768A US07/706,953 US70695391A US5231768A US 5231768 A US5231768 A US 5231768A US 70695391 A US70695391 A US 70695391A US 5231768 A US5231768 A US 5231768A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
gage
blocks
block
holes
rods
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US07/706,953
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Walter L. Beckwith, Jr.
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY A Corp OF
Hexagon Metrology AB
Brown and Sharpe Holding AB
Original Assignee
Brown and Sharpe Manufacturing Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Brown and Sharpe Manufacturing Co filed Critical Brown and Sharpe Manufacturing Co
Assigned to BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF DE reassignment BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF DE ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: BECKWITH, WALTER L. JR.
Priority to US07/706,953 priority Critical patent/US5231768A/en
Priority to US08/150,122 priority patent/US5430950A/en
Priority to DE69226269T priority patent/DE69226269T2/de
Priority to EP92913065A priority patent/EP0586563B1/de
Priority to JP5500493A priority patent/JP2991385B2/ja
Priority to PCT/US1992/004379 priority patent/WO1992021930A1/en
Priority to AT92913065T priority patent/ATE168465T1/de
Publication of US5231768A publication Critical patent/US5231768A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Assigned to BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY reassignment BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST RE-RECORD TO CORRECT THE RECORDATION DATE OF 5/11/98 TO 1/12/98 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL 9168 FRAME 846 Assignors: FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION
Assigned to BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY reassignment BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY RELEASE AND ASSIGNMENT Assignors: FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION
Assigned to CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, THE, AS COLLATERAL AGENT reassignment CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, THE, AS COLLATERAL AGENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Assigned to BROWN & SHARPE HOLDING AB reassignment BROWN & SHARPE HOLDING AB ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Assigned to UTVECKLINGS AB URANIENBORG reassignment UTVECKLINGS AB URANIENBORG CERTIFICATION OF OWNERSHIP Assignors: BROWN & SHARPE HOLDING AB
Assigned to HEXAGON METROLOGY AB reassignment HEXAGON METROLOGY AB CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: UTVECKLINGS AB URANIENBORG
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B3/00—Measuring instruments characterised by the use of mechanical techniques
    • G01B3/30—Bars, blocks, or strips in which the distance between a pair of faces is fixed, although it may be preadjustable, e.g. end measure, feeler strip

Definitions

  • the invention pertains generally to step gages for calibrating measuring instruments. More particularly, the invention pertains to stacked block step gages having measuring surfaces on the neutral axis and high compressive forces between the blocks.
  • Step gages are used for calibrating extremely accurate measuring instruments.
  • a step gage typically comprises a metal block (or blocks) of a known height with opposing, parallel surfaces which are precision lapped to extremely tight tolerances. Since the height of the step gage is known to an extremely high accuracy, a measuring instrument can be calibrated based on the value measured for the height of the step gage.
  • Known prior art gages comprise a single block of a specified height.
  • the opposing faces of the block are precision lapped to the desired height
  • the measuring probe can contact opposing faces of the block on the neutral axis of the gage, i.e., the axis parallel to the dimension that is being measured on which the center of gravity of the gage lies.
  • Gages which allow measuring on the neutral axis are advantageous since any bending of the gage assembly due to gravitational forces or other forces has a minimal effect on the height of the gage at its neutral axis.
  • Single block type gages tend to be extremely precise. However, such gages are useful for measuring only a single height, whereas it is commonly desirable to test a measuring instrument at several different heights.
  • Step gages are known in which a series of blocks are held in non contacting relation by a age assembly.
  • the precision lapped surfaces of the blocks comprise the measuring surfaces which the probe contacts.
  • Non contacting block probes such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,445,276 issued to Voneky et al., not only provide multiple measuring surfaces at several heights along the gage, but also allow the measuring surface to be located on the neutral axis.
  • Such gages are not particularly popular because of the complexity and expense of their design and because they tend to be less accurate than other types of block gages.
  • step gage a series of precision lapped blocks are stacked in contacting relationship and held together by either a through bolt extending through mating holes in the blocks or individual screws which couple each block to a preceding block via mating holes.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,162,955 (hereinafter Egli '955) discloses a block gage assembly comprising multiple blocks, each block being coupled to a preceding block by a "hermaphrodite" bolt. Each block includes a hole which is drilled through the center of the block and countersunk. A bolt slightly longer than the height of the particular block is inserted in the hole so that the threaded distal end of the bolt extends below the bottom surface of the particular block and, when the gage is assembled, extends into the block immediately below it.
  • each hermaphrodite bolt includes a threaded cylindrical cavity that accepts the distal end of a bolt inserted in the hole in the block placed above it.
  • Each block is assembled to the block below it by screwing the distal end of the hermaphrodite bolt into the cavity in the head of the hermaphrodite bolt which has been inserted in the preceding block.
  • Egli '132 discloses a step gage assembly similar to the one disclosed in Egli '995 except that the bolts inserted into the holes in the blocks do not engage the cavity in the head of the preceding bolt (i.e., they are not hermaphrodite bolts). Instead, the uppermost portion of the hole in each block is internally threaded to engagedly receive an externally threaded insert, which insert is, in turn, internally threaded to accept the threaded distal end of the bolt inserted in the next block in the assembly. Since the bolts need not contact each other, the bolts are relatively shorter than the bolts of Egli '955 and can all be of the same length.
  • Egli '132 discloses compressive forces placed on the blocks by the bolts on the order of 100 psi.
  • the Egli '132 patent states that higher compressive forces are undesirable for two reasons. First, high compressive forces cause bending of the gage. Second, the blocks tend to reduce in size due to the elasticity of the material under extremely high compressive forces. In other words, extremely high compressive forces, compress the blocks causing the assembled gage to be shorter than the desired height.
  • the Egli '955 patent discusses the possibility of lapping the individual blocks of the gage to a size slightly larger than their nominal size so that, when they are subject to the compressive forces of the bolts, the blocks reach their nominal size.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 2,537,340 issued to Fonda which discloses a gage block comprising three separate block sections, a steel main section and two tungsten carbide end caps which are coupled to the main section by screws which extend through holes in the end caps and engage threaded holes in either end of the main block.
  • the lower portions of the holes in the tip pieces are slightly larger than the screws they accept to allow the tungsten tip pieces to expand at a different rate than the steel main section without warping the tip pieces through thermal stresses within the block.
  • the invention relates to a step gage of the stacked block type.
  • the blocks are coupled together by at least three through-rods extending through all blocks of the gage. Screws are threaded into each end of each through-rod and torqued to provide a compressive pressure on the blocks of greater than 100 psi and preferably greater than 1000 psi.
  • Each of the through rods can be individually tightened to a different tension to correct for and reduce any bending of the gage under the high pressure.
  • the individual blocks each include probe clearance tunnels which bisect the neutral axis of the block to provide a measuring surface on the neutral axis of the gage.
  • the assembled gage is subjected to vibration treatment to more evenly distribute the stress along the threads of the screws and through-rods, thus increasing the yield point of the screw threads beyond that which would likely be encountered in normal handling of the gage.
  • the through rods may be replaced by screws which individually couple one block to the preceding adjacent block and are tightened to the aforementioned minimum tensions.
  • the gage comprises two through-rods which can be individually tightened to correct for bending in one axis.
  • the through holes of the individual block are elliptical such that they are larger than the through-rods along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis such that bending along the second axis can be corrected by adjusting the positioning of the through rods in their individual holes.
  • a single centrally located through-rod is disposed in a hole larger than the through rod such that the through rod can be laterally moved in any direction to correct for bending of the gage.
  • FIG. 1 is a generalized, cross-sectional side view of the step gage of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a generalized cross-sectional top view of the step gage of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of a first embodiment of the step age of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 4A-4F are perspective views illustrating the individual blocks from which the first and second embodiments of the step gage of the present invention are constructed.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of a second embodiment of the step gage of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the forces applied to the surface of a block of a step gage assembled in a stack under normal conditions.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the forces applied to the surface of a block of a step gage assembled in a stack subject to a bending moment.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the forces applied to the surface of a block of a step gage assembled in a stack subject to a bending moment greater than the bending strength of the gage.
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of the step gage of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional top view of a third embodiment of the step gage of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the step age of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the fourth embodiment of the step gage of the present invention taken along line B--B of FIG. 11.
  • FIGS. 13A-13E are perspective views of the various components of the step gage of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket of the step gage of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a cross sectional top view of the step gage of the fourth embodiment of the present invention mounted on the mounting bracket of FIG. 14, taken along line A--A of FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 16 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the step age of the present invention.
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one block of the step gage of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of the step age of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is a perspective view of one block of the step gage of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of a seventh embodiment of the step gage of the present invention.
  • FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional top view of an eighth embodiment of the step gage of the present invention.
  • the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises a stacked block step gage 10 in which the individual blocks 12 of the gage are held together under extremely high compressive forces, such as on the order of 1,000 psi or more.
  • individual blocks 12 are coupled together by four through-rods 14 extending through mating holes 16 in blocks 12.
  • a cylindrical, threaded cavity 19 is disposed at each end of each through-rod 14 for accepting and mating with threads of screws 18.
  • the ends of each through-rod 14 may be externally threaded to mate with bolts.
  • Gage 10 is constructed first by inserting screws 18 into the holes 16 in the bottom most block.
  • the rods are threaded onto screws 18 and the remaining blocks are stacked thereon so that the rods extend through holes 16 thereof.
  • the number and size of the blocks is chosen in accordance with the desired height of the gage and the applicable testing protocol.
  • a screw 18 is threaded into the cylindrical cavity in the end of each rod 14 opposite the bottom most block, i.e., adjacent the top most block.
  • each rod is stretched about 0.929 mm as illustrated below:
  • the blocks can be lapped to a predetermined size greater than the nominal size such that, under the high compressive forces, they are compressed to the nominal size.
  • the gages of the present invention are particularly designed to meet the requirements of two specific protocols, the American National Standard Institute's Methods for Performance Evaluation of Coordinate Measuring Machines, ANSI/ASME B89.1.12M-1985 (hereinafter the ANSI/ASME protocol) and the German National Standard, Accuracy of Coordinate Measuring Machines, VDI/VDE 2617 (hereinafter the VDI/VDE protocol).
  • the ANSI/ASME protocol requires that measurements be made between measuring surfaces facing in the same direction.
  • distances between the steps may be no greater than 25 mm.
  • lengths greater than 250 mm the lengths between steps may be no greater than 1/10 of the full scale measurement line of the machine.
  • the VDI/VDE protocol requires that measurements be made between measurement surfaces facing in opposite directions and for any measurement line, measurements of ten different lengths be made.
  • the shortest length must be no greater than 25 mm.
  • the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are preferred for gages of length up to 500 mm, whereas the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is preferred for gages 500 mm in length and greater.
  • the purposes of the different embodiments will become apparent from the discussion below.
  • FIG. 3 shows a step gage constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention which is preferred for gages 500 mm or less in height.
  • the ANSI/ASME protocol specifies that gages of length less than 500 mm should be tested with measuring intervals of 25 mm with the probes contacting measuring surfaces facing in the same direction.
  • the gage 25 of FIG. 3 is constructed of four different types of blocks designated blocks A, B, C and D. As shown in FIG. 3, the gage is formed mostly of A blocks except that the blocks at either end of the gage are B blocks. A C block is placed adjacent one of the end B blocks. Finally, D blocks are occasionally substituted for A blocks in the block sequence. The structure and purpose of each block is explained below.
  • FIGS. 4A-4F The construction of the various blocks is shown in FIGS. 4A-4F.
  • An A block is shown in FIG. 4A.
  • the A block comprises two opposing, parallel, precision lapped surfaces 20 and 22. In the preferred embodiment, surfaces 20 and 22 of each block are spaced 25 mm apart.
  • Each A block comprises four drilled through holes 24 disposed near the corners of the block.
  • the block has a semi-elliptical cut-out 26. Within the semi-elliptical cut out is a second cut out, probe clearance channel 28, communicating with the upper surface 20 and extending halfway to the bottom surface 22. Probe clearance channel 28 allows the probe access to the area on the surface 22 of the adjacent block disposed on the neutral axis of the block. This area is the measuring surface 30.
  • An end block, B is shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 4B is identical to an A block except that the holes 24 are replaced by holes 32 which are through-drilled and counterbored at one end as shown at 34. These holes are counterbored to accept the heads of the screws which engage the through rods and fasten the gage together under pressure.
  • a C Block is shown in FIG. 4C and is identical to an A block except that probe clearance channel 28 and measuring surface 30 are eliminated for reasons explained below.
  • a D block is shown in FIG. 4D and is identical to an A block except that it has additional projecting surfaces 36. The projecting surfaces 36 are precision lapped to be perpendicular to the faces 20 and 22 and measuring surface 30, and are used to align the assembled gage with the measuring line of the coordinate measuring machine to be tested.
  • the holes 24 in the A, C and D blocks allow rods 14 to pass therethrough.
  • the holes 32 in the end cap B blocks are designed to accept the screws 18.
  • the counterbored portions 34 of holes 32 in the B blocks accept the heads of screws 18 which rest on shoulders 35.
  • the B block at each end is identical. Accordingly, one of the B blocks must be assembled to the gage upside down relative to the other B block and other blocks in a gage.
  • the C block which is essentially an A block without a probe clearance channel is assembled adjacent to the "upside down" B block. Since the probe clearance channel 28 of the "upside down" B block affords access to the measuring surface of the adjacent C block, there is no need for a probe clearance channel 28 in the C block to access the neutral axis.
  • the neutral axis of the top surface 20 of the C block is accessible and can be used as the measuring surface.
  • the purpose of the C block is to provide for the possibility of taking measurements on opposing surfaces, as required by the VDI/VDE protocol.
  • the D blocks are substituted for B blocks at intervals throughout the gage and, as described above, are useful in aligning the gage as it is being constructed.
  • Measuring probes can access and contact the centrally located measuring surfaces of the A blocks via cut-out 26 and and probe clearance channel 28.
  • the measuring surface of the A blocks is on or near the neutral axis and also is protected from damage by contact with other objects since it is well protected by the surrounding block.
  • FIG. 5 For gages in excess of 500 mm in height, the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is preferred.
  • the embodiment of FIG. 5 uses B and C blocks, but not A or D blocks.
  • the embodiment of FIG. 5 uses two new blocks, E and F blocks, as shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F, respectively.
  • An E block, as shown in FIG. 4E is similar to an A block except that probe clearance channel 28 is replaced by probe clearance channel 29 which is cut completely through the block.
  • An F block, as shown in FIG. 4F is similar to a D block except the probe clearance channel is eliminated.
  • the gage is formed as shown in FIG. 5 and essentially comprises alternating C and E blocks with the end caps formed from B blocks.
  • the measuring surfaces comprise the top and bottom surfaces of the C blocks (or F blocks as the case may be). Since the probe clearance channel extends completely through the E blocks from the top surface to the bottom surface, the neutral axis portion of the top surface 20 and bottom surface 22 of the C blocks (or F blocks) are accessible, thus allowing the probe to contact those surfaces so that they can be used as the measuring surfaces. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the measuring surfaces remain on the neutral axis of the gage. Further, measurements can be taken with the probes contacting opposing measuring surfaces or contacting measuring surfaces facing the same direction.
  • FIG. 3 and FIG. 5 are adapted for use with both the ANSI/ASME and VDI/VDE protocols.
  • the gage of FIG. 3 is useful for measurement lines up to 500 mm.
  • all steps, except step 22 which faces in the wrong direction may be used. Since the distance between all steps is 25 mm, the ANSI/ASME requirement that no step exceeds 25 mm is met.
  • the gage of FIG. 5 is adapted for lines 500 mm in length or longer. All measurements are made between alternate measuring surfaces, since these all face in the same direction. Since the blocks are 25 mm long, alternate faces are 50 mm apart, or 1/10 of 500 mm. Accordingly, the ANSI/ASME requirement is met by the gage of FIG. 5.
  • the FIG. 3 gage is also used for measurement lines up to 500 mm. All measurements are made from step 22 to some other step. This meets the VDI/VDE protocol since the measurements are taken from opposing faces with a minimum step of 25 mm. For measurement lines over 500 mm, the FIG. 5 gage is used. The shortest measurement, made from one face of any C block to the opposing face of the same C block is 25 mm. Thereafter, opposite facing measuring surfaces are available every 50 mm. Again, this is consistent with the VDI/VDE protocol.
  • each rod is stretched approximately 0.929 mm.
  • the compressive pressure between the blocks would be approximately 3,809 psi.
  • An obvious advantage of a high compressive force is that it will more effectively prevent slippage between the blocks and bending of the gage during handling.
  • FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate the advantages of the invention's use of high compressive forces between the blocks.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates stress and force distribution across one of the faces of a block 40 in the middle of a gage. It should be understood that there is a block to the right of block 40 which is not shown. As shown in FIG. 6, except for the end blocks, each block in the gage is subject to compressive forces at both faces and, therefore, cannot bend away from either of its neighboring blocks since that would involve simultaneously bending in opposite directions. Accordingly, the blocks remain flat, and compressive pressure is uniform over the block face. There is some decrease in pressure at the extreme edges of the face due to radial distortion, however, this effect is negligible. As shown in FIG.
  • the through-rods and screws exert forces 42 on each other which are concentrated at the holes.
  • the blocks exert pressure on each other in opposite direction to the fastener force 42, as illustrated by pressure arrows 44.
  • the present invention in all its various embodiments, overcomes this problem and allows for compressive pressures between the blocks that are orders of magnitude greater than 100 psi.
  • each rod can be individually tensioned to a different compressive pressure to eliminate any bending of the gage.
  • the gage When the gage is assembled, it is checked for bending within specified tolerance limits. To check for bending, the gage height can be measured at each of its four corners. If one or more of the corners is out of specification, the tension in one or more of the through rods can be individually adjusted by tightening or loosening the corresponding screws to cause a commensurate decrease or increase, respectively, in the height of the gage at that corner or corners.
  • Mating screw threads cannot be accurately produced at a reasonable expense. Therefore, when a screw such as screw 18 is entered into a threaded hole such as in the through rods, contact between the mating screw threads appears at a few points. As the screw is tightened, yielding of the screw thread surfaces occurs and the number and extent of the areas of contact increases. When a screw is fully tightened, part of the screw thread surface is in contact and stressed to the yield point, part is in contact at lower stresses and part is not in contact at all. The increased amount of yielding of the screw threads in the present invention caused by the greater compressive force makes the screws more vulnerable to reduction of the screw tensions during handling and an increase in the height of the gage during handling. This is undesirable.
  • the vibration treatment causes the screw thread surfaces to yield even further (and the height of the gage to increase further) beyond that which would be caused by normal handling.
  • the gage can then be height calibrated.
  • the screw thread yielding caused by the vibration treatment is greater than any yielding likely to be caused by normal handling and, therefore, the gage is unlikely to increase in height due to normal handling.
  • the gage comprises three or more rods whose ends are not positioned in a straight line on the surface of the end block. If the rods are disposed in a line, individual tensioning of the rods cannot correct for components of a bending moment not parallel to that line.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 show a gage utilizing only two through-rods 60 and 62 disposed on line 64.
  • Line 64 intersects through-rods 60 and 62 on the face of B block 61.
  • the holes 66 in the blocks through which the through-rods 60 and 62 pass, are elliptical and have a major axis perpendicular to line 64. This configuration allows the screws to be individually positioned within the holes (i.e., adjusted left to right in FIG. 10) to correct for any bending moment component perpendicular to the line 64.
  • the two rods also can be adjusted to different tensions to correct for any component of a bending moment parallel to line 64.
  • the individual blocks are labeled as A', B', or C' blocks. These blocks are substantially similar to the correspondingly lettered blocks shown in FIG. 4 except that they comprise only two holes 24 (or 32 in the case of the B and B' blocks) rather than four.
  • FIGS. 11-15 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention utilizing only a single through-rod and a mounting bracket.
  • the hole 70 is positioned on the neutral axis and is circular in shape but is slightly larger than the through-rod 72.
  • FIGS. 13A-13E illustrates the individual components of the step gage of this embodiment.
  • the step gage of this embodiment primarily comprises alternately stacked step blocks 74 and block spacers 75 both having central holes 70 for accepting a through-rod 72.
  • the step block 74 comprises a protection 74a having opposing measuring surfaces 74b and 74c.
  • the height h 1 of the block spacer 75 is 40 mm and the height h 2 of the step blocks 74 is 10 mm.
  • the step blocks 74 are replaced by mounting step blocks 76.
  • Mounting step block 76 is similar to step blocks 74 except they are provided with projection 76a comprising three threaded screw holes 76b for mounting to a mounting bracket as described below.
  • the through-rod holes 70 in the step blocks 74, block spacers 75 and mounting step blocks 76 have a larger diameter than the through-rod 72.
  • An end cap 77 is provided at each end of the gage having a central hole 78 for accepting the distal end of screws 73.
  • the holes 78 are counterbored as shown at 78a in FIG. 12 for accepting the heads of screws 73.
  • the end caps 77 are placed over the step blocks 74 at either end of the gage and the screws 73 are inserted in the holes 78 and screwed into threaded cavities in either end of through-rod 72. The gage is then checked for bending.
  • the screws 73 are loosened and the screws and rods are moved transversely within hole 70 in a direction which will correct for the bending. The screws 73 are then retightened. After one or more trials, bending should be reduced to within tolerance. Since the through-rod 72 is on the neutral axis in this embodiment, the measuring surfaces cannot also be located on the neutral axis. However, a mounting bracket 79 is provided which assures that the measuring surfaces will remain on the neutral surface of the gage. Although the single through-rod embodiment prevents placement of the measuring surface on the neutral axis, it affords a significant savings in weight. The blocks of a gage must comprise a sufficient mass and surface area to support its through-rods. Accordingly, with only one through-rod, the cross-section of the gage perpendicular to the rod can be greatly reduced. Accordingly, in many circumstances, the single rod embodiment may be preferred.
  • Mounting bracket 79 shown in FIG. 14, is designed to assure that the gage is mounted with the measuring surfaces on the neutral surface.
  • the bracket 79 is mounted in a stand (not shown) by means of a stud 81 which fits into a horizontal hole in the stand.
  • the mounting step blocks 76 are positioned in the step gage such that the holes 76b mate with the screws 83 in the bracket 79.
  • the length of the bracket 79 and positioning of the mounting step blocks are chosen with respect to the length of the step gage such that the bending moments of the gage due to its own weight cancel each other to the maximum extent possible.
  • the distal ends of screws 83 fit through holes 71 in mounting bracket 79 and within threaded holes 76b on mounting step blocks 76.
  • Conical springs 85 are provided on the screws to help prevent overtightening of the screws and damaging of the gage.
  • Balls 87 are placed in slots 89 on the mounting bracket 79 such that the step gage does not contact the mounting bracket except at balls 87. The purpose of the balls is to minimize the contact area between the gage and the mounting bracket to three small points so as to avoid the warping of the gage which might otherwise occur if the gage was compressed against a flat surface of the mounting bracket 79.
  • the mounting step blocks 76 are oriented with respect to the measuring surfaces of the step blocks 74 such that when the gage is mounted in the bracket 79 and the bracket is mounted with stud 81 in a horizontal hole, the measuring surfaces of step blocks 74 are on the neutral surface of the bending moment of the gage caused by the weight of the gage hereafter termed the gravitational bending moment (see FIG. 15). In this manner, even though the measuring surfaces are not on the neutral axis, they will be on the neutral surface if the gage is properly mounted.
  • FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention utilizing four through-rods but providing measuring surfaces off the neutral axis.
  • This embodiment utilizes two different blocks, H blocks and I blocks.
  • each H block is provided with an outcropping 80 which provides measuring surface 82 at the edge of the block.
  • the H blocks include four through holes 84 for accepting through-rods as previously described.
  • the I blocks are used as end blocks and are similar to the H blocks except they are not provided with projections 80 and the holes are through drilled and counterbored for accepting the heads of the screws.
  • This embodiment has the advantage of providing a more accessible measuring surface.
  • the disadvantage is that the measuring surface is not on the neutral axis.
  • FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention embodying J blocks, K blocks and L blocks.
  • FIG. 19 shows a J block.
  • Each J block comprises a semi circular tunnel 90 extending completely through the block from side surface 92 to side surface 94.
  • a similar tunnel 96 is provided on the opposite face of the block but does not extend completely through the block from surface 92 to surface 94. Instead, the central portion of the tunnel is left within the block so as to provide measuring surface 98.
  • the J blocks are provided with four through-drilled holes 99 for accepting rods.
  • the K blocks are similar to the J blocks except that tunnel 96 is not present and the holes are through-drilled and counterbored to accept the heads of the screws.
  • the L block is similar to the J block except tunnel 90 is replaced by a tunnel like tunnel 96. In other words both of the tunnels in the L block are tunnels 96.
  • FIGS. 20 and 21 show yet one more embodiment of the present invention.
  • the through rods are replaced by individual screws 100 which couple one block to the preceding block.
  • FIGS. 20 and 21 show a gage in which each block is coupled to the preceding block by four screws 100.
  • this type of gage can also be constructed using fewer screws in the fashion previously described with respect to embodiments utilizing fewer than four through-rods.
  • each end cap block, M may be essentially the same as the B block shown in FIG. 4B, except the four holes may be positioned in different locations on the block as shown in FIG. 20 for reasons that will become apparent.
  • the intermediate blocks comprise alternately stacked N blocks and O blocks.
  • each N and O block comprises eight holes.
  • Four of the holes 102 are through drilled and counterbored to accept screw heads.
  • the other four holes 104 are oversized partially through the block and tap drilled and tapped the remaining length of the block and internally threaded for engagedly accepting the threads of the distal ends of screws 100.
  • the N blocks and O blocks differ in that the relative positions of holes 102 and 104 are exchanged.
  • the alternate interleaving of the N blocks and O blocks allows the blocks to be individually coupled by the screws in the gage construction.
  • a P block is provided adjacent one of the M blocks as shown in FIG. 20.
  • the P block comprises eight threaded holes 104 with four of the holes facing in one direction and the other four holes facing in the opposite direction.
  • the P block allows one of the M blocks to be mounted "upside down" with respect to the other blocks.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Length-Measuring Instruments Using Mechanical Means (AREA)
  • A Measuring Device Byusing Mechanical Method (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)
  • Forms Removed On Construction Sites Or Auxiliary Members Thereof (AREA)
  • Investigation Of Foundation Soil And Reinforcement Of Foundation Soil By Compacting Or Drainage (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
  • Reinforcement Elements For Buildings (AREA)
  • Force Measurement Appropriate To Specific Purposes (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)
US07/706,953 1991-05-29 1991-05-29 Stacked block step gage Expired - Fee Related US5231768A (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/706,953 US5231768A (en) 1991-05-29 1991-05-29 Stacked block step gage
US08/150,122 US5430950A (en) 1991-05-29 1992-03-24 Stacked block step gage
AT92913065T ATE168465T1 (de) 1991-05-29 1992-05-24 Kaliber mit gestuften blöcken
EP92913065A EP0586563B1 (de) 1991-05-29 1992-05-24 Kaliber mit gestuften blöcken
JP5500493A JP2991385B2 (ja) 1991-05-29 1992-05-24 重積ブロック型のステップゲージ
PCT/US1992/004379 WO1992021930A1 (en) 1991-05-29 1992-05-24 Stacked block step gage
DE69226269T DE69226269T2 (de) 1991-05-29 1992-05-24 Kaliber mit gestuften blöcken

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/706,953 US5231768A (en) 1991-05-29 1991-05-29 Stacked block step gage

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/150,122 Continuation-In-Part US5430950A (en) 1991-05-29 1992-03-24 Stacked block step gage

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5231768A true US5231768A (en) 1993-08-03

Family

ID=24839777

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US07/706,953 Expired - Fee Related US5231768A (en) 1991-05-29 1991-05-29 Stacked block step gage
US08/150,122 Expired - Lifetime US5430950A (en) 1991-05-29 1992-03-24 Stacked block step gage

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/150,122 Expired - Lifetime US5430950A (en) 1991-05-29 1992-03-24 Stacked block step gage

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (2) US5231768A (de)
EP (1) EP0586563B1 (de)
JP (1) JP2991385B2 (de)
AT (1) ATE168465T1 (de)
DE (1) DE69226269T2 (de)
WO (1) WO1992021930A1 (de)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5371953A (en) * 1993-05-25 1994-12-13 Computational Systems, Inc. Shaft alignment apparatus
US5430950A (en) * 1991-05-29 1995-07-11 Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co. Stacked block step gage
EP0766059A2 (de) * 1995-09-28 1997-04-02 Emhart Inc. Höhenmesser
US5684578A (en) * 1994-06-23 1997-11-04 Computational Systems, Inc. Laser alignment head for use in shaft alignment
US5799406A (en) * 1996-08-23 1998-09-01 Truran; Howard G. Coordinate measuring machine certification apparatus
US6014886A (en) * 1998-06-30 2000-01-18 Seh America, Inc. Gauge block holder apparatus
US6231051B1 (en) * 1997-12-09 2001-05-15 Rxs Kabelgarnituren Gmbh Cable sleeve consisting of a socket pipe having at least one transversely divided end member
US20030106229A1 (en) * 2001-12-12 2003-06-12 Pascal Jordil Reference gauge for calibrating a measuring machine and method for calibrating a measuring machine
US10627202B2 (en) * 2017-05-17 2020-04-21 Mitutoyo Corporation Step gauge
US10801824B1 (en) * 2018-08-03 2020-10-13 David Alan Haines Multi-function gauge block

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE501184C2 (sv) * 1993-03-19 1994-12-05 Leif Nybro Anordning vid kalibrerings- och mätredskap
DE19854318A1 (de) * 1998-11-25 2000-05-31 Heidenhain Gmbh Dr Johannes Längenmeßeinrichtung
ITMI20080747A1 (it) * 2008-04-24 2009-10-25 3V Sigma Spa Miscele di ammine stericamente impedite per la stabilizzazione di polimeri
CN104019709A (zh) * 2013-03-03 2014-09-03 桂林安一量具有限公司 检定卡尺内外测量示值误差专用量块组及使用方法

Citations (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1491100A (en) * 1919-04-09 1924-04-22 Pratt & Whitney Co Precision gauge
US1491098A (en) * 1919-04-09 1924-04-22 Pratt & Whitney Co Precision gauge
US1502075A (en) * 1922-11-28 1924-07-22 Floyd C Weaver Gauge-block form
US1514525A (en) * 1919-04-09 1924-11-04 Pratt & Whitney Co Precision gauge
US2208371A (en) * 1936-05-20 1940-07-16 Ford Motor Co Combination block gauge set
US2469502A (en) * 1945-06-25 1949-05-10 Johansson Ab C E Combination length bar
US2500313A (en) * 1946-03-30 1950-03-14 Continental Machines Gauge block
US2536401A (en) * 1944-09-14 1951-01-02 Victor Victor Gauge block
US2537340A (en) * 1945-09-28 1951-01-09 Douglass C Fonda Carbide tipped gauge block
US2636279A (en) * 1943-07-01 1953-04-28 Skf Svenska Kullagerfab Ab Adjustable gauge block
US2642668A (en) * 1948-11-03 1953-06-23 Dorel Leroy Gauge block and holder
US2758514A (en) * 1952-09-23 1956-08-14 Cadwallader Gouverneur Combination step block
US2807881A (en) * 1954-07-01 1957-10-01 Ozbilgic Mustafa Adjustable step block
US2831256A (en) * 1954-10-14 1958-04-22 Otto P Werle Multiple block distance gauge
US2840916A (en) * 1953-06-10 1958-07-01 Hahn & Kolb Werkzeugmaschinen Gauges and process for making the same
US2853786A (en) * 1955-01-31 1958-09-30 Dearborn Gage Company Gage block assembly
US3162955A (en) * 1961-04-04 1964-12-29 Henry O Egli Gage block assembly fastening devices
US3184856A (en) * 1962-05-01 1965-05-25 Pipe Machinery Company Microgauge
US3276132A (en) * 1963-06-03 1966-10-04 Henry O Egli Gage block assembly fastening arrangement
US3417475A (en) * 1967-08-30 1968-12-24 American Gage & Mach Device for checking instrument accuracy and wear
US3775858A (en) * 1970-04-30 1973-12-04 H Meyer Graded gauge
US3956092A (en) * 1971-02-19 1976-05-11 Aktiebolaget C. E. Johansson Method of making measuring elements such as gauge blocks
US4445276A (en) * 1982-05-26 1984-05-01 Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft Stepped end-gauge block apparatus
JPS6337201A (ja) * 1986-07-31 1988-02-17 Mitsutoyo Corp 寸法基準器
JPS6414115A (en) * 1987-07-09 1989-01-18 Tosoh Corp Needlelike zirconium oxychloride octahydrate and its production
US4926565A (en) * 1988-03-03 1990-05-22 C. Stiefelmayer Kg End measure, particularly stepped end measure

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS58122413A (ja) * 1982-01-14 1983-07-21 Mitsutoyo Mfg Co Ltd 寸法測定用基準器
SU1401247A1 (ru) * 1986-09-03 1988-06-07 Предприятие П/Я В-2905 Высотомер
JP2512790B2 (ja) * 1988-10-24 1996-07-03 株式会社東京精密 送り指示精度検査方法及びそのゲ―ジ
US5231768A (en) * 1991-05-29 1993-08-03 Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co. Stacked block step gage

Patent Citations (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1491100A (en) * 1919-04-09 1924-04-22 Pratt & Whitney Co Precision gauge
US1491098A (en) * 1919-04-09 1924-04-22 Pratt & Whitney Co Precision gauge
US1514525A (en) * 1919-04-09 1924-11-04 Pratt & Whitney Co Precision gauge
US1502075A (en) * 1922-11-28 1924-07-22 Floyd C Weaver Gauge-block form
US2208371A (en) * 1936-05-20 1940-07-16 Ford Motor Co Combination block gauge set
US2636279A (en) * 1943-07-01 1953-04-28 Skf Svenska Kullagerfab Ab Adjustable gauge block
US2536401A (en) * 1944-09-14 1951-01-02 Victor Victor Gauge block
US2469502A (en) * 1945-06-25 1949-05-10 Johansson Ab C E Combination length bar
US2537340A (en) * 1945-09-28 1951-01-09 Douglass C Fonda Carbide tipped gauge block
US2500313A (en) * 1946-03-30 1950-03-14 Continental Machines Gauge block
US2642668A (en) * 1948-11-03 1953-06-23 Dorel Leroy Gauge block and holder
US2758514A (en) * 1952-09-23 1956-08-14 Cadwallader Gouverneur Combination step block
US2840916A (en) * 1953-06-10 1958-07-01 Hahn & Kolb Werkzeugmaschinen Gauges and process for making the same
US2807881A (en) * 1954-07-01 1957-10-01 Ozbilgic Mustafa Adjustable step block
US2831256A (en) * 1954-10-14 1958-04-22 Otto P Werle Multiple block distance gauge
US2853786A (en) * 1955-01-31 1958-09-30 Dearborn Gage Company Gage block assembly
US3162955A (en) * 1961-04-04 1964-12-29 Henry O Egli Gage block assembly fastening devices
US3184856A (en) * 1962-05-01 1965-05-25 Pipe Machinery Company Microgauge
US3276132A (en) * 1963-06-03 1966-10-04 Henry O Egli Gage block assembly fastening arrangement
US3417475A (en) * 1967-08-30 1968-12-24 American Gage & Mach Device for checking instrument accuracy and wear
US3775858A (en) * 1970-04-30 1973-12-04 H Meyer Graded gauge
US3956092A (en) * 1971-02-19 1976-05-11 Aktiebolaget C. E. Johansson Method of making measuring elements such as gauge blocks
US4445276A (en) * 1982-05-26 1984-05-01 Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft Stepped end-gauge block apparatus
JPS6337201A (ja) * 1986-07-31 1988-02-17 Mitsutoyo Corp 寸法基準器
JPS6414115A (en) * 1987-07-09 1989-01-18 Tosoh Corp Needlelike zirconium oxychloride octahydrate and its production
US4926565A (en) * 1988-03-03 1990-05-22 C. Stiefelmayer Kg End measure, particularly stepped end measure

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Precision Step Gauge, Kolb & Baumann GmbH & Co. KG (1988 4th Edition). *
Precision Step Gauge, Kolb & Baumann GmbH & Co. KG (1988-4th Edition).
Starrett Standard Reference Bars Catalog, p. 413. *

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5430950A (en) * 1991-05-29 1995-07-11 Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co. Stacked block step gage
US5371953A (en) * 1993-05-25 1994-12-13 Computational Systems, Inc. Shaft alignment apparatus
US5684578A (en) * 1994-06-23 1997-11-04 Computational Systems, Inc. Laser alignment head for use in shaft alignment
EP0766059A2 (de) * 1995-09-28 1997-04-02 Emhart Inc. Höhenmesser
EP0766059A3 (de) * 1995-09-28 1997-11-26 Emhart Inc. Höhenmesser
US5799406A (en) * 1996-08-23 1998-09-01 Truran; Howard G. Coordinate measuring machine certification apparatus
US6231051B1 (en) * 1997-12-09 2001-05-15 Rxs Kabelgarnituren Gmbh Cable sleeve consisting of a socket pipe having at least one transversely divided end member
US6014886A (en) * 1998-06-30 2000-01-18 Seh America, Inc. Gauge block holder apparatus
US20030106229A1 (en) * 2001-12-12 2003-06-12 Pascal Jordil Reference gauge for calibrating a measuring machine and method for calibrating a measuring machine
US7043846B2 (en) * 2001-12-12 2006-05-16 Tesa Sa Reference gauge for calibrating a measuring machine and method for calibrating a measuring machine
US10627202B2 (en) * 2017-05-17 2020-04-21 Mitutoyo Corporation Step gauge
US10801824B1 (en) * 2018-08-03 2020-10-13 David Alan Haines Multi-function gauge block

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0586563A1 (de) 1994-03-16
DE69226269T2 (de) 1998-12-17
JP2991385B2 (ja) 1999-12-20
US5430950A (en) 1995-07-11
JPH06507974A (ja) 1994-09-08
WO1992021930A1 (en) 1992-12-10
EP0586563B1 (de) 1998-07-15
EP0586563A4 (en) 1994-05-11
DE69226269D1 (de) 1998-08-20
ATE168465T1 (de) 1998-08-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5231768A (en) Stacked block step gage
US5923000A (en) Shock protection device for a force measuring apparatus
US4763531A (en) Force-torque sensor
US4553124A (en) Strain gauge transducer assembly
US3823639A (en) Tension indicating fastener
CA2923616C (en) Valve stem connector with integrated stem force measurement device
JPH08122178A (ja) 複数のせん断ひずみゲージを用いた六軸力センサ
US20110259110A1 (en) Device for Measuring Strain in a Component
US4164874A (en) Flaw growth correlator
US4938059A (en) Monopiece strain gauge sting mounted wind tunnel balance
US20110107609A1 (en) Window frame deflection measurement device and method of use
US20160161349A1 (en) Rod-Shaped Force Transducer With Improved Deformation Behavior
KR20160037232A (ko) 조정이 간단한 로드형 힘 변환기
CN108613764A (zh) 一种受力构件及带有该受力构件的应变传感器
US4794805A (en) Tennis racket string tension tester
CA1275187C (en) Element for filtering stress variations in a bolted assembly
US3718065A (en) Tension indicating fastener
CN107478136A (zh) 柴油机机架内凹部两端斜侧面开档的测量装置及方法
Fessler et al. Stresses in a bottoming stud assembly with chamfers at the ends of the threads
US4288901A (en) Method of manufacturing and calibrating a displacement measuring sensor
JPH0194234A (ja) 荷重変換器
EP0098706B1 (de) Kraftwandler
US4170897A (en) Displacement measuring sensor
US3592054A (en) Structural load cell
SU1395941A1 (ru) Тензометр

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATIO

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:BECKWITH, WALTER L. JR.;REEL/FRAME:005726/0990

Effective date: 19910523

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

CC Certificate of correction
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

AS Assignment

Owner name: BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, RHODE ISLAND

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST RE-RECORD TO CORRECT THE RECORDATION DATE OF 5/11/98 TO 1/12/98 PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL 9168 FRAME 846;ASSIGNOR:FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:009342/0634

Effective date: 19971126

AS Assignment

Owner name: BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY, RHODE ISLAND

Free format text: RELEASE AND ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:FOOTHILL CAPITAL CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:009168/0846

Effective date: 19971126

AS Assignment

Owner name: CHASE MANHATTAN BANK, THE, AS COLLATERAL AGENT, NE

Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:010461/0236

Effective date: 19991124

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Free format text: PAYER NUMBER DE-ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: RMPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYER NUMBER DE-ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: RMPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

AS Assignment

Owner name: BROWN & SHARPE HOLDING AB, SWEDEN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BROWN & SHARPE MANUFACTURING COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:012025/0661

Effective date: 20010427

AS Assignment

Owner name: UTVECKLINGS AB URANIENBORG, SWEDEN

Free format text: CERTIFICATION OF OWNERSHIP;ASSIGNOR:BROWN & SHARPE HOLDING AB;REEL/FRAME:013036/0971

Effective date: 20020201

AS Assignment

Owner name: HEXAGON METROLOGY AB, SWEDEN

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:UTVECKLINGS AB URANIENBORG;REEL/FRAME:013403/0992

Effective date: 20020822

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20050803